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Biographical documentary

McQueen (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

McQueen (2018) movie poster

McQueen is a 2018 biographical documentary directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, starring Alexander McQueen, Naomi Campbell and Grace Jones. It runs 1 hour 51 minutes and earned $2.7 million worldwide. It earned 2 award nominations, including Best Documentary at the BAFTA 2019. Critics gave it 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and 84 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.

IMDb rating
7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
99%
worldwide gross
$2.7M
award nominations
2
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McQueen (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 51m (111 min)
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is McQueen About?

The premise of McQueen without spoilers.

This poignant documentary explores the life and career of celebrated British fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Through archival footage and interviews with friends, family, and colleagues, the film reveals a complex and often troubled genius, showcasing his groundbreaking designs and the personal struggles that fueled his creativity. It offers a fascinating look at the world of high fashion and the man behind the iconic brand.

McQueen Themes & Keywords

· 14 tags
  • gay
  • gay interest
  • fashion
  • fashion designer
  • fashion show
  • workaholic
  • dog lover
  • garment maker
  • haute couture
  • untimely death
  • reference to givenchy
  • reference to gucci
+2 more
  • reference to pubic hair
  • fashion designer as protagonist
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Cast & crew

McQueen Cast

Alexander McQueen leads the cast, with Naomi Campbell and Grace Jones. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui; 16 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

McQueen Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave McQueen 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and 84 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in art & craft (87) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).

81 /100

McQueen Echo Score Breakdown

McQueen presents a visually and emotionally compelling portrait of Alexander McQueen, though intermittent pacing issues in its final segment limit its overall momentum. Its striking cinematography and dynamic score highlight the designer’s creative intensity, while archival interviews and footage provide intimate insight into his trajectory. Early sections maintain brisk engagement with inventive visuals and focused storytelling, but extended reflective passages after the midpoint introduce a drag in narrative flow. Despite these fluctuations, the documentary’s vivid craftsmanship and substantial thematic depth leave a lasting impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 87

    In terms of art and craft, McQueen excels with its bold visual compositions and meticulous framing. The documentary’s use of swirling camera movements and well-curated production design evokes the drama inherent in McQueen’s creations. Occasional stylistic excess, such as repetitive skull interludes, can feel overextended, but the editing generally sustains momentum. Overall, the film’s direction and visual approach reflect a high level of cinematic craftsmanship.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotional resonance, McQueen offers a poignant glimpse into its subject’s complex psyche. Intimate interviews with family and collaborators deepen our understanding of McQueen’s personal struggles and creative drive. However, the film’s reluctance to explore psychoanalytic dimensions limits the depth of its emotional portrait. Despite this restraint, the documentary achieves a meaningful connection with its subject through thoughtful personal accounts.

  • Story & Flow 78

    In terms of story and flow, McQueen delivers an engaging rise-and-fall narrative punctuated by moments of uneven pacing. The first half propels viewers through McQueen’s ascent with clarity and dynamism, using archival footage to maintain momentum. Yet extended reflective passages and a drawn-out final section diminish narrative urgency. Ultimately, the film balances coherent structuring with pacing fluctuations to chart an original but occasionally stalling biography.

  • Sensory Experience 83

    Regarding sensory experience, McQueen employs an evocative soundtrack and vivid visual style to immerse its audience. Michael Nyman’s brooding score and layered sound design amplify the emotional stakes of the archival footage. Meanwhile, bold color palettes and innovative animations underscore the film’s fashion-centric sequences, though some visuals can feel taxing. Overall, the sensory elements cohere to create a provocative and atmospheric viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    In terms of rewatch value, McQueen offers enduring appeal for fashion enthusiasts but may lose impact on repeat viewings. The wealth of documentary footage and detailed exploration of McQueen’s designs encourage subsequent viewings for visual discovery. However, its slower closing act and limited character depth reduce overall replayability. Despite this, its striking visuals and historical depth provide a worthwhile revisit for those interested in McQueen’s legacy.

Box office

McQueen Box Office

McQueen grossed $2.7 million worldwide. $1.3 million came from the US and Canada and $1.4 million (53%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$2.7M

US & Canada
$1.3M
International
$1.4M
US & Canada 47% Rest of the world 53%
Awards

McQueen Awards & Nominations

McQueen earned 2 award nominations, including Best Documentary at the BAFTA 2019.

2 nominations1 ceremony

  • British Academy Film Awards logo
    BAFTA 2019 2 nominations
    • Nominated Best Documentary
    • Nominated Outstanding British Film
Videos

McQueen Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

MCQUEEN | Official Trailer
  • Teaser
Details

McQueen Also Known As

11 alternative titles, including “მაკქუინი” and “מקווין”.

Also known as
  • მაკქუინი
  • מקווין
  • 時尚鬼才:McQueen
  • 맥퀸
  • Маккуин
  • 麦昆
  • Alexander McQueen - Il genio della moda
  • マックイーン:モードの反逆児
  • Alexandre McQueen
  • Alexander McQueen – Der Film
  • 英倫壞男孩:McQueen

Seen McQueen?

FAQ

McQueen FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of McQueen, each answered in a sentence.

How long is McQueen?

McQueen runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).

When was McQueen released?

McQueen was released on July 20, 2018.

Who directed McQueen?

McQueen was directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui.

More films by Ian Bonhôte

Who is in the cast of McQueen?

McQueen stars Alexander McQueen, Naomi Campbell and Grace Jones, among 16 credited actors.

How much did McQueen make at the box office?

McQueen grossed $2.7 million worldwide ($1.3 million domestic, $1.4 million international).

How is McQueen rated?

McQueen has 7.7/10 on IMDb, 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic and 75% on TMDB.

Was McQueen nominated for any awards?

McQueen received 2 nominations across 1 ceremony.

Does McQueen have a post-credit scene?

No. McQueen has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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